Eat Fresh Southeast Iowa blogshttps://www.extension.iastate.edu/eatfreshsei/blog
enHoney Bee Swarming Seasonhttps://www.extension.iastate.edu/eatfreshsei/honey-bee-swarming-season
<div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>Just a few days ago, I watched my&nbsp;bee hive&nbsp;swarm, and it was an amazing phenomenon to behold. <img alt="swarm of bees on a tree trunk" src="https://www.extension.iastate.edu/eatfreshsei/files/resize/blog/images/img_6566-300x400.jpeg" style="float:right; height:400px; margin-left:10px; margin-right:10px; width:300px" title="swarm of bees on a tree trunk" width="300" height="400" />&nbsp;I stepped out onto my back porch and could hear a loud buzzing/humming.&nbsp;&nbsp;The hives are about 50 feet&nbsp;away from the house. &nbsp;I couldn't see anything from the porch,&nbsp;but I could hear the buzzing&nbsp;loud an clear! &nbsp;I threw on my shoes and made my way to the bee yard... and that's when I saw the swarm on the trunk of a walnut tree that was just about 20 feet away from the hive. &nbsp;The trunk of the tree was covered in bees. &nbsp;Thousands of them! &nbsp;While I found this sight to be fascinating... if you didn't know anything about bees and swarms, this sight could make you feel pretty nervous. &nbsp;If you see a swarm of bees, don't be alarmed and please don't get out a can of bug spray! &nbsp;Here's what's going on when you see a swarm and what to do about it:</p>
<p>As the spring season warms up, honey bees become more active and sometimes they can outgrow their hives. &nbsp;When the queen&nbsp;decides that she'd like to&nbsp;&nbsp;move to more spacious digs, she will take about half of the hive's population with her&nbsp;they will head out to find a new home (leaving the other half of the hive to carry on as usual and they will&nbsp;make themselves a new queen). &nbsp;The queen and her crew will&nbsp;swarm onto a branch, tree, building, etc. and wait until her scout bees come back with some good news -"we found a new place to live!" &nbsp;So when you see a swarm of bees, hanging from&nbsp;a branch... those bees are just hanging out, protecting their queen... waiting for the scouts to come back with that good news.</p>
<p>If you do see a swarm, the best thing to do is to call a local bee keeper to come and collect them. &nbsp;Bee keepers often have extra hive boxes at the ready for when a swarm shows up. &nbsp;The hive boxes are just the thing that the queen's&nbsp;scouts are looking for... a spacious new home for their queen! &nbsp;If the swarm is hanging from a branch, the bee keeper will just clip the branch and put it in the hive box. &nbsp;If the swarm happens to be in the wall of an old building or on a tree trunk, the task of re-homing them might be a bit more tedious... but many bee keepers are willing to give it a shot! &nbsp;</p>
<p>To learn more about honey bee swarms and to find a local bee keeper you can always check with the <a href="https://www.iowahoneyproducers.org/swarms">Iowa Honey Producers Association</a>. &nbsp;Or check out the listing of honey producers on our Southeast Iowa&nbsp;<a href="https://www.extension.iastate.edu/eatfreshsei/local-producers-product">local food directory.</a></p>
<p>In the case of my bees, we weren't able to capture the swarm from the tree. &nbsp;With them swarmed on the outside of a tree trunk, 6 feet above my head, there was no way we could reach them to safely capture the queen and lead them into a new hive box. &nbsp;We ended up setting up a new hive box about 20 feet away from the original hive box, and hoped that the queen's scouts would find this new box before they moved on. &nbsp;But as some rain clouds rolled in, we noticed that the whole swarm began to lift off from the tree and moved back to their original home. &nbsp;They bearded on the outside of the hive box for another couple of hours... and by nightfall they were all back inside the hive box again. &nbsp;We are leaving our empty hive box out for them, just in case they get the urge to swarm again.</p>
<p><img alt="bees bearding and swarming around a hive" src="https://www.extension.iastate.edu/eatfreshsei/files/resize/blog/images/img_0747_small-675x450.jpeg" style="height:450px; width:675px" title="bees bearding and swarming around a hive" width="675" height="450" /></p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-blog-images field-type-image field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Images(s):&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://www.extension.iastate.edu/eatfreshsei/files/blog/images/img_6566.jpeg" width="3024" height="4032" alt="swarm of bees on a tree trunk" title="swarm of bees on a tree trunk" /></div><div class="field-item odd"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://www.extension.iastate.edu/eatfreshsei/files/blog/images/img_0747_small.jpeg" width="3600" height="2400" alt="bees bearding and swarming around a hive" title="bees bearding and swarming around a hive" /></div></div></div>Thu, 30 Apr 2020 21:01:30 +0000mhoenig225 at https://www.extension.iastate.edu/eatfreshseiGrowing Perfectly Spaced Radisheshttps://www.extension.iastate.edu/eatfreshsei/growing-perfectly-spaced-radishes
<div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>Radishes are one of the most satisfying spring crops a gardener can grow. After planting radish seeds, it take just 3-5 weeks before you can harvest them.&nbsp; Talk about instant gratification!&nbsp;They grow best when seeded in April (through early May),&nbsp;a time of year when home gardeners are anxious to get out into the garden, but when it is still too cool to plant summer crops.</p>
<p>When direct seeding crops like radishes, it's important to be sure they are properly spaced.&nbsp; Make sure you refer to the seed packet for proper seed spacing recommendations - depending on the variety, radish spacing can range from 1-3 inches.&nbsp; Some gardeners go to great pains to drop one seed every inch or so in their garden furrow... but most gardeners will sprinkle the seeds into the garden thickly and go back and thin them once they've germinated. It's important to thin the seedlings before the roots become fleshy, often before the the plants get their second set of leaves.&nbsp;If you don't thin your seedlings and the roots grow too close together, the plants can become stunted and the roots will be small and distorted.&nbsp;<img alt="Hands pulling seedlings - thinning crops." src="https://www.extension.iastate.edu/eatfreshsei/files/resize/blog/images/screen_shot_2020-04-03_at_9.39.02_am-500x175.png" style="float:right; height:175px; width:500px" width="500" height="175" /></p>
<p>If you'd like to plant radishes without having to thin them, consider making a seed tape.&nbsp; Seed tapes are great because they are inexpensive to make, and it's a fun and easy indoor gardening project that can be done even if your garden is ready for planting yet.&nbsp; If you do this project with kids, it's a great way to include a math lesson with gardening!</p>
<p>To make a seed tape, you'll need the following:</p>
<ul>
<li>Seeds</li>
<li>Ruler</li>
<li>Craft Glue (you can also use a mixture of flour or cornstarch with water for the adhesive, but i find that the craft glue dispenser bottle makes it easier to dispense "just a dot" of the adhesive)</li>
<li>Thin Paper Material&nbsp; - toilet paper, paper towels, coffee filters, newspaper, etc.&nbsp; (Since toilet paper is in short supply these days, we used some crepe paper from our craft drawer!)</li>
</ul>
<p>Before starting, consider your garden site.&nbsp; Do you have 4 ft. wide raised beds?&nbsp; Maybe you'd like to make 4 foot long strips of seed tape so they fit perfectly in your garden bed.&nbsp; Do you practice square foot gardening? Maybe you'd like to consider using a 12 x 12 inch paper towel instead of making a long tape.&nbsp;</p>
<p>When you are ready to make the tape, be sure to refer to the seed packet for the proper seed spacing recommendations.&nbsp; Then label your tape with the seed name,&nbsp;and using a ruler for guidance, mark the proper spacing on the tape.&nbsp; Add a dot of adhesive to each marking, and place a seed on each dot.&nbsp; Allow the adhesive to dry and the seed tape can be stored until you are ready to plant it in the garden.&nbsp; When it's time for planting, just plant the seed tape about a 1/2 inch deep (or the depth that is recommended on your seed packet), and water them in.</p>
<p>Another thing to consider when planting radishes, is to plan for several consecutive plantings (succession planting).&nbsp; Since radishes grow so fast and can pass their&nbsp;peak quality quickly, succession plantings (7-10 days apart) can provide you with firm, good-tasting radishes for several weeks.&nbsp; Resist seeding radishes after May, because when&nbsp;radishes grow in hot weather&nbsp;the texture can be spongy, and the flavor can be intensely hot!&nbsp;</p>
<p>For more information about planting and harvesting radishes and other vegetables - refer to these great publications:</p>
<ul>
<li><em>Planting and harvest times for garden vegetables</em> -&nbsp;<a href="https://www.extension.iastate.edu/eatfreshsei/files/blog/files/pm534_-_plant_and_harvest_times.pdf">pm534_-_plant_and_harvest_times.pdf</a></li>
<li><em>Planting a home vegetable garden</em> - <a href="https://www.extension.iastate.edu/eatfreshsei/files/blog/files/pm819_-_planting_home_garden.pdf">pm819_-_planting_home_garden.pdf</a></li>
</ul>
<p>And if you'd like to see how to thin radish seedlings and make a seed tape, check out this video that we made :)</p>
<p><a href="https://youtu.be/bxNiqwhmub0" target="_blank"><img alt="radish seedlings in a garden bed with video play button" src="https://www.extension.iastate.edu/eatfreshsei/files/resize/blog/images/radish_video_image-500x375.jpg" style="height:375px; width:500px" width="500" height="375" /></a></p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-blog-images field-type-image field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Images(s):&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://www.extension.iastate.edu/eatfreshsei/files/blog/images/screen_shot_2020-04-03_at_9.39.02_am.png" width="1036" height="268" alt="hands removing seedlings - thinning root crops" /></div><div class="field-item odd"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://www.extension.iastate.edu/eatfreshsei/files/blog/images/radish_video_image.jpg" width="4032" height="3024" alt="radish seedlings in a garden bed with video play button" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-blog-files field-type-file field-label-above"><div class="field-label">File(s):&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="file"><img class="file-icon" alt="PDF icon" title="application/pdf" src="/eatfreshsei/modules/file/icons/application-pdf.png" /> <a href="https://www.extension.iastate.edu/eatfreshsei/files/blog/files/pm534_-_plant_and_harvest_times.pdf" type="application/pdf; length=288560">pm534_-_plant_and_harvest_times.pdf</a></span></div><div class="field-item odd"><span class="file"><img class="file-icon" alt="PDF icon" title="application/pdf" src="/eatfreshsei/modules/file/icons/application-pdf.png" /> <a href="https://www.extension.iastate.edu/eatfreshsei/files/blog/files/pm819_-_planting_home_garden.pdf" type="application/pdf; length=459376">pm819_-_planting_home_garden.pdf</a></span></div></div></div>Tue, 07 Apr 2020 12:16:35 +0000mhoenig223 at https://www.extension.iastate.edu/eatfreshseiTime to Plant Potatoes!https://www.extension.iastate.edu/eatfreshsei/time-plant-potatoes
<div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>It's the tradition of many home gardeners to plant their potatoes on Good Friday, the Friday before Easter Sunday.&nbsp;&nbsp;But some years&nbsp;when Easter is early, there may still be snow on the grown on Good Friday! &nbsp;Generally, you'll want to plant your seed potatoes 4-6 weeks before the last frost date for you area. &nbsp;So in southeast Iowa,&nbsp;it's best practice to plant your potatoes the last week of March or early in April. &nbsp;This year, Good Friday looks like it will be perfect for planting potatoes!</p>
<p>While you <em>could</em> plant the potatoes that have sprouted in your pantry, for best results you are going to want to purchase certified disease-free seed potatoes from your local garden center or farm supply store. Smaller seed potatoes can be planted whole, but the large seed&nbsp;potatoes are going to need to be cut&nbsp;into pieces with 1 - 2 "eyes" or sprouts per piece. &nbsp;Each of these pieces will turn into a potato plant. &nbsp;If you'd like to see how to cut your seed potatoes, check out this video:<a href="https://youtu.be/oRFBCuyaRxM" target="_blank"><img alt="" src="https://www.extension.iastate.edu/eatfreshsei/files/resize/blog/images/img_6126_youtube-350x263.jpg" style="float:left; height:263px; margin:10px; width:350px" width="350" height="263" /></a></p>
<p>Once the potatoes are cut, you'll need to let the cut pieces cure in a humid, warm area&nbsp;for 2-3 days before planting. &nbsp;Curing&nbsp;gives the&nbsp;potatoes&nbsp;a chance to “heal over”, which prevents them from rotting when they are planted&nbsp;in wet ground.</p>
<p>When you are ready to plant, place&nbsp;the seed pieces cut-side-down 3-4 inches deep and 1 foot apart within the row. &nbsp;Rows should be spaces 2.5-3 feet apart.</p>
<p>Check out this article for a list of varieties that are best suited for growing in Iowa:&nbsp;<a href="https://hortnews.extension.iastate.edu/faq/what-are-some-good-potato-varieties-iowa">What are some good potato varieties for Iowa?</a></p>
<p>And for more information on growing potatoes, check out this publication from Iowa State University Extension &amp; Outreach that is free to download:<a href="https://store.extension.iastate.edu/product/5483">&nbsp;https://store.extension.iastate.edu/product/5483</a></p>
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</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-blog-images field-type-image field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Images(s):&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://www.extension.iastate.edu/eatfreshsei/files/blog/images/img_6126_youtube.jpg" width="1920" height="1440" alt="Seed potatoes cut into pieces" /></div></div></div>Thu, 02 Apr 2020 14:19:38 +0000mhoenig222 at https://www.extension.iastate.edu/eatfreshseiEating Local for the Holidayshttps://www.extension.iastate.edu/eatfreshsei/eating-local-holidays
<div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p><img alt="Ink drawing of a Thanksgiving dinner table" src="https://www.extension.iastate.edu/eatfreshsei/files/resize/blog/images/thanxs_drawing-283x200.jpg" style="float:left; height:200px; margin-left:10px; margin-right:10px; width:283px" width="283" height="200" /><em>Looking to eat local for the holidays?&nbsp; Local produce might be hard to come by in our corner of the state because this past growing season ended rather abruptly!&nbsp; But there is still some local produce available if you can find your way to winter farmers markets in other parts of the state - Fairfield, Iowa City and Dubuque are all hosting winter markets this season.&nbsp; But produce isn't everything, there are plenty of </em><em>other local food producers in southeast Iowa who have something to offer for your Thanksgiving meal!&nbsp; Smoked hams, chickens, honey, herbs, cheese and </em><em>drinks can all be sourced from a local farmer.&nbsp;&nbsp;</em><em>Here's</em><em> a listing of some Southeast Iowa producers who will have products available for your Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners. &nbsp;</em></p>
<table border="1" cellpadding="1" cellspacing="1">
<tr>
<td><strong>Triple Creek Farms - Sperry</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Lamb</li>
<li>Whole Chickens</li>
</ul>
<p>Find out more about their products and how to order on their<a href="https://www.facebook.com/triplecreekfarmsiowa/"> Facebook page</a>&nbsp;or contact them at (206)459-8474. Products can be picked up at the farm or at the Collective Food Hub in Burlington.</p>
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<td><strong>Our Yesterday Farm - Mediapolis</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Ham&nbsp;</li>
<li>Prime Rib</li>
<li>Whole beef tenderloins</li>
<li>Pork Loin</li>
<li>Brisket</li>
</ul>
<p>Our Yesterday Farms' hams come from purebred Hampshire hogs and are raised in the open air. Both their cattle and hogs are fed non-GMO corn.&nbsp; They also offer meat bundles if you'd like to stock your freezer. Learn more about the products they offer and how to contact them with an order at <a href="https://ouryesterdayfarm.com/">ouryesterdayfarm.com </a>, 319-573-8198 or their <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ouryesterdayfarm/">Facebook page.</a></p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>Sunny Side Up Ranch - West Burlington</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Turkey&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<p>The birds raised on this farm are free range and they have had no antibiotics. Freshly harvested turkeys will be available for pick up on Wednesday, November 27th.&nbsp; Contact Karen or Llyod&nbsp;at (319)316-2554 to reserve your bird.</p>
</td>
<td>
<ul>
</ul>
<p> <strong>Our Farm - Wapello</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>smoked 1/2 Hams</li>
<li>Whole Chickens</li>
<li>a variety of other products - including beef, eggs, &amp; honey</li>
</ul>
<p> Hams come from pasture-raised Berkshire hogs, and chickens are free-range.&nbsp; All of their animals are raised without the use of hormones or preventative antibiotics.&nbsp; Check out their website,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.ourfarm-yourtable.com/">https://www.ourfarm-yourtable.com/</a> to see all of the products that they offer, or visit their <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ourfarm.yourtable/">Facebook page</a>.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>
<ul>
</ul>
<p> <strong>Baked Goods</strong></p>
<p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/The-Collective-Food-Hub-106454764057064/">The Collective Food Hub</a> - Burlington&nbsp;<em> find baked goods from Stargazer Bakery, and more.&nbsp; Open Thursdays 4-6, Fridays 9-4 and Saturdays 9-12.</em></p>
<p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/theflourbarn/">The Flour Barn</a> - Mediapolis&nbsp; <em>Thanksgiving orders need to be placed by November 18th.</em></p>
</td>
<td><strong>Cheese</strong></p>
<p><a href="http://www.hinterlanddairy.com/">Hinterland Dairy</a> - Donnellson&nbsp; <em>&nbsp;Fresh cheese curds &amp; quark cheese. Available at their farm store, or at a variety of retail locations listed on their website.</em></p>
<p> <strong>Honey&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Zshoney/">Z's Bees</a> - Burlington</p>
<p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/HoneyWarBee/">Honey War Bee Company</a>&nbsp;- Burlington</p>
<p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/buzzysbeehoney/">Buzzy's Bee Honey</a>&nbsp;- Danville</p>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td><strong>Fresh Herbs</strong></p>
<p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/jonesfamilyfarm2011/">Jones Family Farm</a> - Danville&nbsp;&nbsp;<em>rosemary &amp; thyme, contact through Facebook to order.</em></p>
<p><strong>Microgreens</strong></p>
<p><a href="https://www.facebook.com/surefireorganics/">Surefire Organics</a> - Wever&nbsp; &nbsp;<em>available at Fareway in Fort Madison, or message through Facebook to order.</em></p>
<ul>
</ul>
</td>
<td><strong>Wine, Mead, Cider &amp; Beer</strong></p>
<p><a href="http://eastgrovemead.com/">East Grove Farms</a> - Salem&nbsp; &nbsp;<em>mead</em></p>
<p><a href="http://www.parksidebrewing.com/index.html">Parkside Brewing Company</a> - Burlington&nbsp; &nbsp;<em>beer</em></p>
<p><a href="http://www.airportroadvineyard.com/wines.html">Airport Road Vinyard</a> - Mt. Pleasant&nbsp; &nbsp;<em>wine</em></p>
<p><a href="http://www.cider.work">Jefferson County Cider Works</a> - Fairfield&nbsp; &nbsp;<em>cider</em></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
</td>
</tr>
</table>
<p>Commercial or private sites linked from this page are intended only to supply information. No endorsement of products or firms is intended, nor is criticism implied of those not included.<br />
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</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-blog-images field-type-image field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Images(s):&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://www.extension.iastate.edu/eatfreshsei/files/blog/images/thanxs_drawing.jpg" width="1647" height="1163" alt="Ink drawing of a Thanksgiving dinner table" /></div></div></div>Thu, 14 Nov 2019 21:26:08 +0000mhoenig208 at https://www.extension.iastate.edu/eatfreshseiCelebrating Apple Monthhttps://www.extension.iastate.edu/eatfreshsei/celebrating-apple-month
<div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>Farmers markets in our corner of the state are closing down for the season - but don’t despair, <strong>there’s still plenty of locally-grown goodness to be had this fall</strong>. Apples will be available from local orchards through October!</p>
<p>Below are orchards in Des Moines, Louisa, Lee and Henry counties. If you are looking for an apple orchard in another part of the state, go to <a href="https://www.visitiowafarms.org/" target="_blank">VisitIowaFarms.org</a></p>
<hr />
<h3><img alt="Meller Orchard signs and owner Carl Meller" src="https://www.extension.iastate.edu/eatfreshsei/files/resize/blog/images/meller_orchard-500x419.png" style="float:right; height:419px; width:500px" width="500" height="419" /><strong>MELLER ORCHARD</strong>, 17767 195TH ST., YARMOUTH</h3>
<p>Look for the faded wooden sign on Beaverdale Road (just a 1/2 mile south of Pleasant Grove Road, or 12 miles north of West Burlington). Follow the gravel lane, past the dead end sign, and you’ll find yourself at Meller Orchard.</p>
<p>Carl Meller has a wide variety of apples available from August through November. Jonathan, Golden Delicious and McIntosh varieties are available now, and Arkansas Black and Granny Smith varieties will start to be available in the coming weeks. He also offers apple cider.</p>
<p>Hours of operation: 9AM to 6PM - Monday, Tuesday, Thursday &amp; Saturday, Noon to 6PM - Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. Phone: (319)394-3897</p>
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<h3><strong>BRYANT ORCHARD</strong>, 17137 40TH ST., MORNING SUN</h3>
<p>This local apple orchard has been in operation for 52 years and they offer ten varieties of apples. Bryant’s have been providing apples to a number of schools in the region for many years.</p>
<p>They are currently offering Jonathan, Red Delicious, Yellow Delicious, Empire, Jonagold and Chieftain and Fuji apples. They have gallon jugs of unfiltered, unpasteurized, no processed apple cider. They also have a good stock excellent #2 apples for eating or cooking (good for sauce).</p>
<p>Open seasonally from mid September to early November. 8AM to 5PM Monday through Saturday, 1PM to 4PM on Sundays.</p>
<p>Phone: (319) 868-7633 Find them on Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Morningsunorchard/" target="_blank">www.facebook.com/Morningsunorchard/</a></p>
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<h3><strong>APPLETREE ORCHARD,</strong> 1040 260TH ST., LOCKRIDGE<img alt="Apple Tree Orchard caramel apples, map to farm &amp;amp; owner Marcia Rich" src="https://www.extension.iastate.edu/eatfreshsei/files/resize/blog/images/appletree_orchard-400x335.png" style="float:right; height:335px; width:400px" width="400" height="335" /></h3>
<p>You can find Marcia and her apples at a handful of southeast Iowa farmers markets in the summer and fall, including the Mt. Pleasant Farmers Market. If you get to the market early enough, you can also pick up one of her amazing caramel apples (with homemade caramel!). Apples are also available for purchase directly from the farm.</p>
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<h3><strong>APPLEBERRY ORCHARD, </strong> 2469 HIGHWAY 2, DONNELLSON</h3>
<p>Appleberry Orchard has more than just apples. They offer a wide variety of family activities - petting zoo, wagon rides, play area, U-pick apples and pumpkins, and a little shop with fall treats. While the U-pick part of their operation is closed for the season, you can still find apples, cider and other apple-based goodies inside their shop -freshly made apple cider donuts, fall decor, pumpkins, hot apple cider &amp; hot chocolate.</p>
<p>Hours of operation: 9AM to 7PM Monday through Saturday, 11AM to 7PM Sundays</p>
<p>Phone: (310)372-1307 Website:<a href="http://www.appleberryorchard.com/" target="_blank"> www.appleberryorchard.com</a> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/appleberryorchard/" target="_blank">Find them on Facebook</a></p>
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<h3>Looking for more information on selection, storage, preservation &amp; preparation of apples? &nbsp;Below are some publications that may be helpful:</h3>
<p><strong>Produce Basics: APPLES</strong>&nbsp;-&nbsp;<a href="https://www.extension.iastate.edu/eatfreshsei/files/blog/files/produce_basics_-_apples.pdf">produce_basics_-_apples.pdf</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;<em>from the Spend Smart. Eat Smart. website&nbsp;</em></p>
<p><strong>Preserving Apples</strong> - Canning Fruits&nbsp;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.extension.iastate.edu/eatfreshsei/files/blog/files/pm1043.pdf">pm1043.pdf</a></p>
<p>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; - Freezing Fruits &amp; Vegetables &nbsp;<a href="https://www.extension.iastate.edu/eatfreshsei/files/blog/files/pm1045.pdf">pm1045.pdf</a></p>
<p>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; - Canning Fruit Spreads &nbsp;<a href="https://www.extension.iastate.edu/eatfreshsei/files/blog/files/pm1366.pdf">pm1366.pdf</a></p>
<p><strong>Harvesting &amp; Storing Apples -&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.extension.iastate.edu/eatfreshsei/files/blog/files/pm1078.pdf">pm1078.pdf</a></p>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-blog-images field-type-image field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Images(s):&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://www.extension.iastate.edu/eatfreshsei/files/blog/images/meller_orchard.png" width="940" height="788" alt="Meller Orchard signs and owner Carl Meller" /></div><div class="field-item odd"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://www.extension.iastate.edu/eatfreshsei/files/blog/images/appletree_orchard.png" width="940" height="788" alt="Apple Tree Orchard caramel apples, map to farm &amp; owner Marcia Rich" /></div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-blog-files field-type-file field-label-above"><div class="field-label">File(s):&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><span class="file"><img class="file-icon" alt="PDF icon" title="application/pdf" src="/eatfreshsei/modules/file/icons/application-pdf.png" /> <a href="https://www.extension.iastate.edu/eatfreshsei/files/blog/files/produce_basics_-_apples.pdf" type="application/pdf; length=278870">produce_basics_-_apples.pdf</a></span></div><div class="field-item odd"><span class="file"><img class="file-icon" alt="PDF icon" title="application/pdf" src="/eatfreshsei/modules/file/icons/application-pdf.png" /> <a href="https://www.extension.iastate.edu/eatfreshsei/files/blog/files/pm1043.pdf" type="application/pdf; length=317060">pm1043.pdf</a></span></div><div class="field-item even"><span class="file"><img class="file-icon" alt="PDF icon" title="application/pdf" src="/eatfreshsei/modules/file/icons/application-pdf.png" /> <a href="https://www.extension.iastate.edu/eatfreshsei/files/blog/files/pm1045.pdf" type="application/pdf; length=270068">pm1045.pdf</a></span></div><div class="field-item odd"><span class="file"><img class="file-icon" alt="PDF icon" title="application/pdf" src="/eatfreshsei/modules/file/icons/application-pdf.png" /> <a href="https://www.extension.iastate.edu/eatfreshsei/files/blog/files/pm1366.pdf" type="application/pdf; length=287619">pm1366.pdf</a></span></div><div class="field-item even"><span class="file"><img class="file-icon" alt="PDF icon" title="application/pdf" src="/eatfreshsei/modules/file/icons/application-pdf.png" /> <a href="https://www.extension.iastate.edu/eatfreshsei/files/blog/files/pm1078.pdf" type="application/pdf; length=102026">pm1078.pdf</a></span></div></div></div>Tue, 08 Oct 2019 14:15:46 +0000mhoenig202 at https://www.extension.iastate.edu/eatfreshseiFruit & Vegetable Field Day at ISUhttps://www.extension.iastate.edu/eatfreshsei/fruit-vegetable-field-day-isu
<div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>On August 5th, we attended the Fruit &amp; Vegetable Field Day at the ISU Horticulture Research Station north of Ames.&nbsp; This is an annual event that is free for the public to attend - but the majority of attendees were commercial growers, Master Gardeners and extension personnel.&nbsp; It was a great event where we got to brush elbows with some of the knowledgeable&nbsp;ISU&nbsp;Extension specialists and researchers as well as chat with other Iowa producers from all across the state.&nbsp; They also provided a lovely picnic dinner for attendees. We highly recommend&nbsp;putting this on your calendar for next year!</p>
<p>Research projects that were demonstrated included&nbsp;cover crops, growing peaches and tomatoes in high tunnels, trellising small melons, pest management on cucurbits (covering them with nets), hops, bees, and biodegradable mulch trials.&nbsp; Below are some pictures from the event and some highlights of what we learned.</p>
<p><img alt="biodegradable mulch trial in pepper field with FSMA visitor information sign" src="https://www.extension.iastate.edu/eatfreshsei/files/blog/images/food_safety_sign.jpg" style="float:left; height:333px; margin:10px; width:500px" title="Food safety at field day - biodegradable mulch trial" />&nbsp;Most vegetables growers who use plastic mulches in their fields can appreciate the benefits of keeping weed pressure around summer crops to a minimum.&nbsp; But when it comes to removing the plastic mulch from the fields in the fall, farmers often complain about the effort and time that it takes to remove (not to mention the plastic waste that needs to be disposed of!)&nbsp; There are a handful of biodegradable mulches on the market these days, and they are trialing these mulches at the ISU Horticulture Research Station.&nbsp; Mulches were made from a plant-based cellulose plastic or creped paper.&nbsp; Thinner paper mulches were found to disintegrate shortly after installation, so thicker paper is suggested for use.&nbsp; This trial is still ongoing, but we look forward to learning more about the different biodegradable&nbsp;mulches and how the peppers performed in each.</p>
<p>Also, as you can see in the picture of this biodegradable mulch trial, there were signs in the vegetable fields informing visitors about best food safety practices.&nbsp; Food producers often struggle with how to inform farm visitors about food safety policies.&nbsp;A simple sign like the one pictured is a great way to inform your visitors about your safe food policies without having to give them a long speech!</p>
<p><img alt="" src="https://www.extension.iastate.edu/eatfreshsei/files/resize/blog/images/peach_high_tunnel_4b-464x333.jpg" style="float:left; height:333px; margin:10px; width:464px" width="464" height="333" />The high tunnel peach trial compares&nbsp;the peach trees growing in a 20 ft tall high tunnel structure with the same trees growing outdoors.&nbsp; They are measuring growth of trees in both locations and comparing data, but they have yet to get a fruiting crop off of any of the trees in 4 years of the project so there is no data on how the high tunnel effects harvest potential.&nbsp;&nbsp; Peaches are generally&nbsp;a rare commodity in Iowa because of our fluctuating weather, so they are hoping to see some benefits from growing the trees inside a high tunnel.&nbsp; We've had some extremely crazy weather in the last few years, especially the sub-zero temps last winter, so it's apparent that the high tunnel does not protect the trees from all harsh weather!</p>
<p>&nbsp;The researcher shared information about the pruning of fruit trees when growing in a high tunnel (trees are pruned to have two&nbsp;lead branches to promote good airflow. Pruning also helps with&nbsp;keeping the trees from growing through the roof of the tunnel and keeping them a manageable height for when they do have peaches to harvest.&nbsp; While I don't anticipate encouraging anyone to grow fruit trees in a high tunnel anytime soon, I appreciate seeing how intensively fruit trees can be pruned and how good tree formation can benefit the harvest.</p>
<p><img alt="demonstrating small melon varieties that were trellised in a high tunnel" src="https://www.extension.iastate.edu/eatfreshsei/files/resize/blog/images/melon_trial-500x333.jpg" style="float:left; height:333px; margin:10px; width:500px" title="Melon trial" width="500" height="333" /></p>
<p>The melon trial focused on smaller melons (1-3 lbs)&nbsp;that could be trellised.&nbsp; ISU researchers grew about about 10 varieties of melons that included honeydews and cantaloupes.&nbsp; The flesh of the melons were a range of colors... including a white-fleshed honeydew!&nbsp; After they shared about controlling cucumber beetles, trellising techniques and planting flowers along the edges of the tunnel to attract pollinators, field day visitors were invited to taste the melons!&nbsp; Our favorite was a cantaloupe called sugar cube, but there were lots of other tasty varieties.</p>
<p>They had another melon trial where full-sized melons were growing under netting outdoors.&nbsp; This netting was intended to keep pests off of the plants... but that means the pollinators did not have access to the plants either.&nbsp; In order to pollinate the melons, a bumble bee box was installed under each netted tunnel, and the researchers were measuring the effectiveness of these bees as well as the pest prevention benefits of the netting.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><img alt="close up of hops buds" src="https://www.extension.iastate.edu/eatfreshsei/files/resize/blog/images/hops_3-300x200.jpg" style="float:left; height:200px; margin:10px; width:300px" title="hops" width="300" height="200" /><img alt="hops growing up a line" src="https://www.extension.iastate.edu/eatfreshsei/files/resize/blog/images/hops_8b-300x200.jpg" style="float:left; height:200px; margin:10px; width:300px" title="climbing hops" width="300" height="200" />&nbsp;One of the last fields we visited that day was their hops production field.&nbsp; It was amazing to see how tall these vines climb and to see the giant trellising systems that must be built to grow hops.&nbsp; This is a crop that is in high demand and fairly easy to grow in our state (the cost and labor to build the trellis is probably the hardest part!).&nbsp;</p>
<p>It was fun to learn about all the research that is going on at the ISU Horticulture Research farm this year, and I can't wait to hear how some of these trials turn out. It was an inspiring event for any gardener... observing innovative growing&nbsp;techniques, chatting with extension specialists, and witnessing how we can learn from both trial and error made for a very informative day!</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-blog-images field-type-image field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Images(s):&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://www.extension.iastate.edu/eatfreshsei/files/blog/images/melon_trial.jpg" width="6000" height="4000" alt="demonstrating small melon varieties that were trellised in a high tunnel" title="Melon trial" /></div><div class="field-item odd"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://www.extension.iastate.edu/eatfreshsei/files/blog/images/peach_high_tunnel_4b.jpg" width="3000" height="2154" alt="Peach trees growing in a high tunnel" title="Peach trees growing in a high tunnel" /></div><div class="field-item even"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://www.extension.iastate.edu/eatfreshsei/files/blog/images/hops_3.jpg" width="6000" height="4000" alt="close up of hops buds" title="hops" /></div><div class="field-item odd"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://www.extension.iastate.edu/eatfreshsei/files/blog/images/hops_8b.jpg" width="4000" height="2667" alt="hops growing up a line" title="climbing hops" /></div></div></div>Tue, 13 Aug 2019 19:30:40 +0000mhoenig197 at https://www.extension.iastate.edu/eatfreshseiFarmers Market Tipshttps://www.extension.iastate.edu/eatfreshsei/farmers-market-tips
<div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>We love a good farmers market here at&nbsp;EatFreshSEI! We decided to visit the Keokuk Farmer’s Market to gather our best market tips for you all. The Keokuk Farmer’s Market would be a great market to go to if you’re a beginner at the whole farmers market thing. The market is at the River City Mall on Saturdays from&nbsp;8&nbsp;to 11:30&nbsp;a.m. You can find around fifteen vendors with a variety of produce such as tomatoes, cucumbers, beets, onions, sweet corn, peppers, baked goods, and more! The friendly vendors love to interact with the customers and enjoy sharing their goods! If you have any questions about their produce, they are more than willing to answer. Continue reading below to learn about some great market tips!&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>1. Know what is in season before you go&nbsp;</p>
<p>Knowing what foods are in season will help you understand what kind of produce will be available. If you go to a farmers market looking for watermelon in June the chances of you finding it are going to be slim to none. This is why it is beneficial to know what foods are in season. Not to mention if you purchase foods that are in season, they are going to taste much better&nbsp;and&nbsp;be full of healthy nutrients!&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>2. Be prepared with your own reusable bag and cash&nbsp;</p>
<p>There is a chance that not every vendor is going to have a plastic bag if you decide to purchase from them. This is why it is a good idea to bring a reusable bag. You can put all of the produce you purchase in them and you are helping save the environment! It is also very unlikely that vendors will have a card machine for you to use a debit or credit card, so make sure you have plenty of cash on hand.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>3. Early bird gets the worm!&nbsp;</p>
<p>If you go right away you will get first dibs on the best produce,&nbsp;and that is when most vendors will have&nbsp;the&nbsp;largest&nbsp;variety. If you go at the end there is a chance the vendors might not have the produce you were looking for or the best produce has already been taken. There might be some truth to the&nbsp;phrase&nbsp;the “early bird gets the worm.”&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
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<p>4.&nbsp;Make a loop first&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p>I know I get excited about buying food and tend to want to buy the first thing I see, but that isn’t always the smartest option. It might be worth your time to make a loop around the entire market to see what produce is available&nbsp;and where the good prices are at.&nbsp;&nbsp;After you make the loop&nbsp;around the market&nbsp;you are more knowledgeable about what is all available,&nbsp;and therefore you&nbsp;can make better choices when purchasing your fresh produce.&nbsp;</p>
</div></div></div>Fri, 26 Jul 2019 15:42:25 +0000gracew2196 at https://www.extension.iastate.edu/eatfreshsei"Berry" Excited about Blueberry Monthhttps://www.extension.iastate.edu/eatfreshsei/berry-excited-about-blueberry-month
<div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p><img alt="" src="https://www.extension.iastate.edu/eatfreshsei/files/resize/blog/images/bloobs-675x495.png" style="float:right; height:495px; width:675px" width="675" height="495" />July is blueberry month! To celebrate, you can head out to Blueberry Bottom Farm&nbsp;for some “u-pick” blueberries. Blueberry Bottom Farm&nbsp;has a little over five acres of organically-grown&nbsp;blueberry bushes, including eight extra-large varieties. Kim &amp; Steve Anderson are the owners and operators of Blueberry Bottom Farm and it has been a dream come true for Kim.&nbsp;Literally, Kim would have dreams about starting a blueberry farm and she even thought of the name&nbsp;through her dreams. In order for this dream to come true, she knew the farm was going to have to be viable, sustainable, and financially feasible. Starting a blueberry farm in Iowa was also going to require a lot of research, time, and patience. As a college professor herself, Kim knew how important it was to acquire accurate and scientifically based&nbsp;research when she began the process of&nbsp;Blueberry Bottom&nbsp;Farm. She had to do a lot of research&nbsp;on&nbsp;growing&nbsp;blueberries, irrigation systems, weeds, blueberry care, the best fencing system to keep critters out, and much more. Kim not only had to research things about blueberries but also things you wouldn’t&nbsp;think of such as the best place to put a driveway entrance to the blueberry patch. It is amazing to see how much hard work she has put into this “u-pick” blueberry farm.&nbsp;It will definitely be worth your time to stop in at Blueberry Bottom in Brighton, Iowa to pick some of your very own, locally-grown blueberries.&nbsp;As soon as you pull into Blueberry Bottom&nbsp;Farm&nbsp;you will be given your very own bucket to fill with organic blueberries. The price of the blueberries will be by volume, and not weight, and cost about&nbsp;$4 for a quart of organic, fresh blueberries. If you don’t have time to pick your own organic blueberries, don’t fret, you can swing by and grab some pre-picked blueberries&nbsp;at a slightly higher price of&nbsp;$6 for a quart.&nbsp;Blueberry Bottom&nbsp;Farm’s hours will tend to vary throughout the summer due to different varieties ripening at different times. If Blueberry Bottom&nbsp;Farm’s hours don’t work for your schedule there is nothing to worry about as there are a few other local u-pick berry farms you could check out,&nbsp;including the following:&nbsp;Hoskins U Pick Blueberry Farm, Red Fern Farm for black raspberries, and Oakland Mills Berry Farm for strawberries.&nbsp;An even better idea would be to take a road trip sometime this summer and check them all out!&nbsp; Down below you can find some details about other local berry farms, how to pick out the best blueberry, some nutritional information, and a recipe that can include all different varieties of berries!&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Blueberry&nbsp;Bottom&nbsp;Contact:&nbsp;</strong>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Facebook- Blueberry Bottom&nbsp;</p>
<p>Instagram-&nbsp;blueberrybottomfarm&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p>Email-&nbsp;<a href="mailto:farmerkima@gmail.com" target="_blank">farmerkima@gmail.com</a>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Blueberry Bottom&nbsp;Address-&nbsp;3304 Highway 78,&nbsp;Brighton, Iowa&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Hoskins Blueberry Farm Contact:&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p>Facebook- Hoskins U Pick Blueberry Farm&nbsp;</p>
<p>Phone Number- 309.867.3135&nbsp;</p>
<p>Hoskins Blueberry Farm Address- 2366 County Highway 3, Oquawka, Illinois&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Red Fern Farm Contact:&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p>Facebook- Red Fern Farm&nbsp;</p>
<p>Phone Number- 319.729.5905&nbsp;</p>
<p>Red Fern Farm Address- 13882 I AVE, Wapello, Iowa&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Oakland Mills Berry Farm Contact:</strong>&nbsp;</p>
<p>Facebook- Oakland Mills Berry Farm&nbsp;</p>
<p>Phone Number- 319.986.6071&nbsp;</p>
<p>Oakland Mills Berry Farm Address- 1738 265th&nbsp;Street, Mount Pleasant, Iowa&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Selection For a Good Blueberry:&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p>Look for blueberries that are firm, plump, dry, and a deep purple blue color.&nbsp; Avoid ones that look shriveled.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Berry&nbsp;Nutrition:&nbsp;&nbsp;</strong></p>
<p>Fiber: helps reduce cholesterol levels and may reduce the risk of heart disease&nbsp;</p>
<p>Vitamin C: helps heal cuts and help the immune system&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p><strong>Recipe For Fruit Salsa:&nbsp;</strong>&nbsp;</p>
<p><a href="https://spendsmart.extension.iastate.edu/recipe/fruit-salsa/" target="_blank">https://spendsmart.extension.iastate.edu/recipe/fruit-salsa/</a>&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-blog-images field-type-image field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Images(s):&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://www.extension.iastate.edu/eatfreshsei/files/blog/images/bloobs.png" width="842" height="618" alt="blueberries" /></div></div></div>Tue, 02 Jul 2019 19:10:25 +0000gracew2195 at https://www.extension.iastate.edu/eatfreshseiInterested in a CSA? Check out Jones Family Farm!https://www.extension.iastate.edu/eatfreshsei/interested-csa-check-out-jones-family-farm
<div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p>If you are a parent you can relate to wanting the very best for you and your family. When it comes to Caroline and Ryan Jones, it was no different. When the Jones had children, they wanted to be able to feed them as much organic and locally grown foods as they could. They decided they wanted to grow their own food to provide for their family, including raising their own meat when possible. Their small organic vegetable garden quickly grew into a large vegetable farm over the past seven years called the Jones’ Family Farm. As it&nbsp;expanded,&nbsp;the Jones&nbsp;began selling&nbsp;their&nbsp;produce at several local farmer’s markets in order to give back to her community.&nbsp;At these markets, the Jones&nbsp;family would bring several different varieties of tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, onions, squash, herbs, beans, peas,&nbsp;and more, depending on what was ready to be harvested that day.&nbsp;Customers can expect a wide variety of produce&nbsp;as the&nbsp;Jones&nbsp;grow&nbsp;different&nbsp;types of&nbsp;produce&nbsp;depending on the weather for that year. The Jones’&nbsp;Family Farm cans, pickles, and freezes leftover produce&nbsp;available&nbsp;at the end of the farmer's markets or harvest season, and&nbsp;will can over 1,000 jars&nbsp;a&nbsp;year of produce with the help of Caroline’s mother.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p>Trial and error&nbsp;are mainly what taught Caroline how to be a successful vegetable gardener,&nbsp;and&nbsp;she&nbsp;continues trying&nbsp;new things to become better at growing produce. She shared with us that the first time she ever tried to plant tomato plants she didn’t get a single tomato to grow. This&nbsp;resulted in&nbsp;her&nbsp;doing research about how to grow tomatoes and to try&nbsp;a different method&nbsp;the following year. She implements this style of learning&nbsp;to improve all of the produce on&nbsp;the&nbsp;farm. Caroline has also made several improvements to their farm along the way with the help of her husband.&nbsp;Ryan has&nbsp;converted an old barn into a greenhouse&nbsp;and a&nbsp;workshop&nbsp;for Caroline, they have&nbsp;put tarps over parts of their&nbsp;gardens for weed control, and fencing&nbsp;was put up&nbsp;to keep critters out. By making improvements to the farm, it allows both Caroline and Ryan be able to spend more time together as a family.&nbsp;</p>
<p><img alt="Jones Family Farm Sign" src="https://www.extension.iastate.edu/eatfreshsei/files/resize/blog/images/img_4398-400x267.jpg" style="float:right; height:267px; width:400px" width="400" height="267" /></p>
<p>&nbsp;As their family expanded along with the size of their farm,&nbsp;they decided they wanted to be able to spend more time in the summer with their kids.&nbsp;They began to look into other ways that they could share their organic produce with others&nbsp;that did not involve traveling to farmers markets so frequently.&nbsp;This is what led them&nbsp;to turn their farm into a community&nbsp;supported&nbsp;agriculture (CSA). During the winter this year they had ten families purchase a CSA. Those ten families receive a basket of produce for around 15 weeks when the produce&nbsp;is&nbsp;ready for&nbsp;harvest. The Jones&nbsp;make sure&nbsp;that each produce basket&nbsp;is worth the cost to the&nbsp;members. If you are interested in purchasing locally grown organic food, then the Jones’&nbsp;Family Farm&nbsp;is the place for you!&nbsp;What’s better than purchasing your produce from a family who began farming because they wanted the best produce available for their own family?&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-blog-images field-type-image field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Images(s):&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://www.extension.iastate.edu/eatfreshsei/files/blog/images/img_4398.jpg" width="6000" height="4000" alt="Jones Family Farm Sign" /></div></div></div>Thu, 20 Jun 2019 18:34:15 +0000gracew2189 at https://www.extension.iastate.edu/eatfreshseiMooo'ving into Junehttps://www.extension.iastate.edu/eatfreshsei/moooving-june
<div class="field field-name-body field-type-text-with-summary field-label-hidden"><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even" property="content:encoded"><p><img alt="HillTop Dairy Calf" src="https://www.extension.iastate.edu/eatfreshsei/files/resize/blog/images/img_4857-600x400.jpg" style="float:left; height:400px; width:600px" title="Calf" width="600" height="400" />What is more refreshing than a cold glass of milk or a&nbsp;large&nbsp;ice cream cone on a&nbsp;hot&nbsp;summer day in June? Nothing! It’s June which means its&nbsp;finally&nbsp;dairy month!&nbsp;</p>
<p>Down in&nbsp;Southeast Iowa the Rising Star Interns celebrated&nbsp;dairy month&nbsp;by heading to not only one, but two dairy farms! Hilltop Dairy, located&nbsp;close to the Henry/Washington county line,&nbsp;is&nbsp;a&nbsp;family owned and operated dairy farm by Doug and Donna Roth.&nbsp;Their kids are&nbsp;involved in the operation as well,&nbsp;especially their daughter Madi&nbsp;who was kind enough to show us around.&nbsp;It&nbsp;was evident the cow’s health and wellbeing&nbsp;were of top priority for the Roth’s which was shown when Madi explained how “the cows eat breakfast before we do!”&nbsp;They get up&nbsp;bright and early&nbsp;to milk&nbsp;the cows&nbsp;for the first time of the day around 3:30&nbsp;a.m. Although a VERY early morning, they still have plenty of work to do for the rest of the day including&nbsp;cleaning the milk parlor,&nbsp;barn, and bedding as well as&nbsp;feeding the cows&nbsp;until it comes time for the second milking at&nbsp;3:30&nbsp;p.m. The Roth’s&nbsp;want to share&nbsp;their appreciation for&nbsp;their cows and farm with others,&nbsp;and&nbsp;are&nbsp;happy&nbsp;to give farm tours to the public. If you are interested in seeing what an authentic&nbsp;family&nbsp;owned and operated dairy&nbsp;farm&nbsp;is like,&nbsp;check out their “Dairy Days” Facebook event on June 15th&nbsp;- you may even get some ice cream!&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>We also went on a visit to Hinterland Dairy in Donnellson, Iowa, another family owned and operated dairy farm. Ralph and Colleen&nbsp;Krogmeier, the producers, are on the final stretch to becoming your next local cheese producers! The&nbsp;Krogmeier’s&nbsp;love to promote local foods and look forward to having another product that they can sell locally,&nbsp;as well as hold events for the public to come out and see the cheesemaking process right on the farm.&nbsp;A unique feature is that it is farmstead cheese, meaning the cheese will be produced on the same farm that the milk is produced.&nbsp;In this case,&nbsp;the Hinterland Dairy cows are not only going to be producing milk to sell to Prairie Farms,&nbsp;but will also be producing milk to help make&nbsp;Hinterland&nbsp;Dairy Farmstead&nbsp;Cheese! In order to accomplish this, Hinterland Dairy&nbsp;has done a lot of renovation&nbsp;and research&nbsp;to assure their&nbsp;production will&nbsp;be excellent.&nbsp;The&nbsp;Krogmeier’s&nbsp;have made&nbsp;a new facility that includes another brand-new milking parlor, brine room, aging room, walk-in cooler, packaging room, lab, processing room, and a room to showcase and sell their cheese.&nbsp; On average,&nbsp;Hinterland Dairy will need ten pounds of milk from the cows to produce one pound of cheese,&nbsp;and&nbsp;are hoping to make around&nbsp;120 pounds of cheese per week! Once open, there will be three cheese varieties available including fresh&nbsp;cheese curds, aged alpine cheddar, and a quark cheese. Hinterland Dairy plans on selling&nbsp;the cheese&nbsp;directly from the facility, and are hoping&nbsp;to provide to a few local restaurants, hospitals, and grocery stores. Be on the lookout for more information about the date of Hinterland Dairy’s official opening!&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>HillTop&nbsp;Dairy Contact:&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p>Phone: 319-256- 5426&nbsp;</p>
<p>Facebook:&nbsp;HillTop&nbsp;Dairy Inc.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p>Email:&nbsp;<a href="mailto:mmskubal@gmail.com" target="_blank">mmskubal@gmail.com</a>&nbsp;</p>
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<p>Hinterland Dairy Contact:&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p>Phone: 319-470-3919&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p>Facebook: Hinterland Dairy&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p>Website:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.hinterlanddairy.com/?fbclid=IwAR2nC5VbE0fvUkJXvTv9hXoqK2Z2tGxLm1DclJrHnilT4E057xFROvDKMTw" target="_blank">http://www.hinterlanddairy.com/</a>&nbsp;</p>
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<p>Dairy Nutrition Facts:&nbsp;</p>
<p>Milk is filled with calcium, phosphorus, vitamin B-12, and tons of essential amino acids.&nbsp; All of these will help&nbsp;to&nbsp;live a healthy life.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
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<p>Dairy Recipes:&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p>Meat&amp;Veggies&nbsp;Mac&nbsp;</p>
<p><a href="https://spendsmart.extension.iastate.edu/recipe/meat-veggie-mac/" target="_blank">https://spendsmart.extension.iastate.edu/recipe/meat-veggie-mac/</a>&nbsp;</p>
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<p>Cheesy Broccoli Soup&nbsp;</p>
<p><a href="https://spendsmart.extension.iastate.edu/recipe/cheesy-broccoli-soup/" target="_blank">https://spendsmart.extension.iastate.edu/recipe/cheesy-broccoli-soup/</a>&nbsp;</p>
</div></div></div><div class="field field-name-field-blog-images field-type-image field-label-above"><div class="field-label">Images(s):&nbsp;</div><div class="field-items"><div class="field-item even"><img typeof="foaf:Image" src="https://www.extension.iastate.edu/eatfreshsei/files/blog/images/img_4857.jpg" width="6000" height="4000" alt="HillTop Dairy Calf" title="Calf" /></div></div></div>Thu, 06 Jun 2019 18:56:58 +0000gracew2185 at https://www.extension.iastate.edu/eatfreshsei